Solar power companies investigated over false carbon tax claims

July 07, 2012

Two solar power panel suppliers have been stung over false claims relating to the impact of the carbon tax.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Polaris Solar and ACT Renewable Energy both distributed pro-solar leaflets to households, claiming that electricity prices would increase by upwards of 20 per cent due to the carbon tax alone.

The suppliers also stated that electricity prices would likely increase by over 400 per cent by 2019 if the carbon tax effect continued.

"The ACCC is of the view that these representations were clearly misleading. There was no reasonable basis for these claims to be made," said ACCC acting chairman Michael Schaper in a release issued yesterday (July 5).

"If a business claims that a potential price rise is linked to the carbon price, the claim must be truthful and have a reasonable basis."

The news follows reports earlier this week that bakery chain Brumby's would be investigated for allegedly planning to blame upcoming price hikes on the carbon tax.

The ACCC has warned businesses that any claims made in relation to the carbon price must come from verified sources, and says that it is dangerous to take figures published in newspapers articles or advertisements as fact.

Households concerned about the potential impact of the carbon tax might consider undergoing an electricity supplier comparison check to ensure they are with the best provider to suit their needs.